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The Elders Council Board of Trustees has approved a manifesto for submission to the members. Could you please send us your comments on it (see the tear-off slip on pg. 3)? A final version of the manifesto will be put to the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 7 July.

A manifesto for growing old well in Newcastle upon Tyne

The fact that we are all living longer, mostly healthier, lives is having a significant impact on our city. As older citizens we have a role to play in making sure that Newcastle upon Tyne is a place where people can grow up, live their lives and grow old with good health and positive wellbeing throughout. Older people are a great asset to their communities and to the city itself. We act as carers for family and friends; we are the largest volunteering group; many pay taxes; and all - cont. -

Elders Council of Newcastle

Older People working for Older People

May – June 2015 Issue 65

Inside this issue: Page Our Manifesto ……...………….… 1-3

Elders Council at Work ……..…… 4-9

Staying Connected ……..…….. 10-11

Information NOW …………………. 13

Health Information …..……...… 14-17

Things to do ………..……….… 22-23

Volunteering …………..…….… 24-25

Report ……....…..………………… 26

Correspondence …………….... 27-28

Poetry …………………...……... 30-31

Contact Details ………….….….…. 32

Our Manifesto

Follow the tea cup symbol throughout the Newsletter to

find various social activities. Why not

join in the fun?

Follow the tea cup symbol throughout the Newsletter to

find various social activities. Why not

join in the fun?

Members – a date for your diary

This year’s AGM will take place on Tuesday 7 July.

Members who receive their Newsletter electronically will receive

their invitation to the AGM electronically too. So please

remember to check your email inbox.

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Our Manifesto

contribute to the economy of the city in a variety of ways.

Since the Elders Council was first launched more than a decade ago we older people have worked to improve the lives of all older people in the city; we are committed to continue with this work and this statement sets out what we think the older people of the city can do.

We will be active contributors in making Newcastle an age friendly city by

using our experience and skills, and developing our capacity to understand

issues and create solutions by: engaging in research to help our

understanding of people’s experiences and needs. We will use the evidence

we gather to work with partners in designing a city with amenities and services

appropriate to an ageing population.

We will promote positive images of older people and challenge negative

stereotypes.

We will continue to encourage people to plan ahead, and think about the

changes they could make to give them the best chance of being able to live

well, safely and independently at home.

We will continue to encourage older people to adopt a positive attitude to

ageing, promoting key messages about how we can maintain our own health

and wellbeing, whilst being willing to accept help when it is needed.

We will foster and support schemes which provide opportunities for older

people to develop and maintain social connections and offer mutual support.

We will help to ensure that older people are well informed about how to

access health and care services and use them appropriately. We will actively

contribute to the design of services to better meet the needs of an ageing

population.

We will lobby to keep our free bus pass, which is essential to our

independence as well as bringing economic value to communities.

We will strive to develop opportunities for people to learn and maintain their

digital skills, so that they continue to stay connected, informed and are able to

access services more easily.

We will continue to inspire and enable older people to be active in their local

communities and the life of the city.

We will promote the wide range of cultural, leisure and learning opportunities

available and encourage older people to participate.

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Our Manifesto

Do you agree with our Manifesto? Yes No

If you are already doing something which is making life better for older people in the city, please send us an email or write a note (you can add it below) to let us know. Whether you are running a group or keeping in regular touch with a friend or neighbour, every little bit helps to make Newcastle a better place in which to grow old.

Please return to: the Elders Council office (address on pg. 32). No postage is required if you insert FREEPOST RTBG-SLSE-SGAJ before the address. If further space is needed for your response please enclose additional sheets.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Information

Marigold Hotel

You can get free official community resources for The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (in cinemas now). See www.damaris.org/marigold2 . If you were charmed by the original Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, you might be equally captivated by the sequel.

The Damaris Trust tell us that they can provide free resources, all built around clips from the film, including a leader’s guide providing all you need to put on an event around the film (for a few friends or a large group). The resources contain template posters, invitations, themed recipes, quizzes, discussion questions and background information – an ideal opportunity for an intergenerational party!

Is there anything you would like to add? If so, what?

Is there anything that you’d like to alter? If so, what?

Is there anything you would like to add? If so, what?

Is there anything that you’d like to alter? If so, what?

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Who w

Know Your City No. 8

On what city centre street is this

hexagonal Victorian pillar box?

If yours is the first correct answer drawn out of a hat on 24 June 2015, you will receive a £10 voucher.

Answers by letter or email only, please; NO telephone calls.

Contact details are on page 32 of this Newsletter.

vElders Council at work

Communication Working Group

Everyone’s tomorrow – today!

is the Elders Council radio programme that goes out on the first Friday of every month between 2 and 4 pm on the community radio station NE1fm (102.5fm). It’s made by local older people for local older people. We’re always keen to hear what our listeners think of the programme or to suggest ideas for future ones. If you haven’t heard it, why not give it a listen? It’s broadcast on 102.5fm wavelength and you can also listen via the Internet on NE1fm Webplayer http://ne1fm.net/webplayer .

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vElders Council at work

Health and Social Care Working Group

Developments in Pharmacy Services was the topic for a lively discussion at the last meeting of the Working Group. You may have seen recent notices in your local pharmacy – ‘Keep Calm and Ask a Pharmacist’ and ‘Think Pharmacy First’ are two examples – but what does that mean for those of us who are regular users of our local pharmacy? A recent report assessing the pharmaceutical needs of Newcastle residents showed that we are above the national average for numbers of pharmacists – and the number of pharmacies – per head of population. And almost all of our pharmacies are in accessible premises, have convenient opening times (except on Sundays!) and offer help and advice with minor ailments. Pharmacists can also help with reviewing the way we are taking our medicines – and have developed services such as offering flu jabs, blood pressure checks, etc. Some GP practices have a link with a local pharmacy and have an electronic system to dispense regular prescriptions – which could mean fewer trips to the GP for repeat prescriptions. Of course, we are aware that the overall aim is to reduce the pressure on the workload of our GPs, but if it helps us to make best use of services, then it is to be welcomed. Even so, we still asked for reassurance on certain points; for example, do all pharmacies have space for consultations and/or giving injections in privacy? And will pharmacists have extra training to enable them to offer enhanced services? Resulting from the discussion we can offer a couple of tips:

There can be an advantage in using the same pharmacy so that the pharmacist can be aware of your needs.

If you have to struggle with child-proof containers, you can always ask to have different packaging.

Information We are still on the track of producing clear guidance about funding for social care, but it’s difficult to have simple information about a complex system – the latest attempt is on pg. 16-17 of this Newsletter.

Future Meetings We are always open to receive comments and suggestions about the way services are operating so please keep us informed about your experiences in using services – and watch out for the answers to Elders Council questions about services in pre- and post-election debates.

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vElders Council at work

Transport and Highways Working Group Virgin Trains East Coast have now taken over the running of our trains to London and most of our trains to Scotland.

They are promising a number of improvements (some of which are already here) on upgrading existing trains, brand new trains, better catering, better luggage arrangements, faster journey times, more trains both weekdays and especially weekends.

We will continue to monitor the changes and report the major ones to you when they happen.

For those of you who have access to their internet booking site (and many of you have, either direct or via children/grandchildren) it is worth noting that they claim: “We guarantee that you’ll always get the lowest possible fares by booking online at virgintrainseastcoast.com.”

Remember, the sooner you book, usually, the better the price. For most journeys you can book up to 12 weeks in advance – even 24 weeks in advance on selected routes. You can even sign up to their cheap tickets alert so you’re automatically notified when a new batch of cheap tickets is released for sale.

Also, don’t forget the Senior Railcard (for over-60s) supplied by National Rail, which offers one third off Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares. The Railcard costs £30 so, after a couple of trips, the card will have paid for itself; or you can buy a three-year card for £70. More information at http://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/.

Alternatively, there is a “Two Together” Railcard also supplied by National Rail, which gives two named people (over 16) one third off Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares. The Railcard costs £30 and more details are available from Station Ticket Offices or http://www.twotogether-railcard.co.uk/. There are also “Family and Friends” and “Disabled Person Railcards” available. More info at http://www.railcard.co.uk/. If your preference is to stay local and travel by bus, don’t forget that we are publishing in May the latest edition of our Outings with a Concessionary Bus Pass leaflet.

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vElders Council at work

Transport and Highways Working Group

This is our seventh year for this popular leaflet and this year we have brought up to date some old favourites and added some new ideas. We have reorganised the leaflet to give bus times and routes first and also added (where possible) the location of the nearest toilet. (Most useful). We have also added a couple of nice easy trips such as Durham and Morpeth.

The leaflet is still free to Elders Council members. The easiest place to access the leaflet is through the Elders Council website http://www.elderscouncil.org.uk/reports , or send us a stamped envelope and we will forward you a copy. Whether travelling by rail of bus, have a good journey and do let us know how you get on.

Do you need help using public transport?

If you have a bus-pass and you need to take a companion with you in order to be able to use public transport, your companion would normally need to buy a ticket. But, if you have a Companion Card, your companion will no longer need to buy a ticket, as your companion will travel FREE as long as they are accompanying you on your journey. If you have a Metro Gold Card, your Companion Card will be valid on the Metro as well.

Do you qualify for a Companion Card? You will automatically qualify for the scheme if you receive any of the following:

Higher Rate Care Component of the Disability Living Allowance.

High Rate Attendance Allowance.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

You should apply for a Companion Card only if you cannot travel by public transport without a companion. A companion is someone who offers you significant support and assistance throughout your journey; this means help in boarding, moving around and getting off a vehicle or help in communicating and or help in planning your journey.

Your Companion Card replaces your current bus-pass. (It looks the same, but has a ‘C+’ in the corner.)

How to apply: You will need to complete a Companion Card application form.

You can pick one up from any Nexus Travel Shop; or

request one by telephoning 0191 20 20 747; or

email access@nexus.org.uk; or

write to Companion Card Applications, Nexus, Nexus House, St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4AX.

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vElders Council at work

Older Person Friendly City Working Group

City Centre

Updating the Working Group’s report of a decade ago continues to be of concern. There is still quite a lot to be said – and we shall continue to keep saying it – about the state of pavements, the cleanliness of back lanes, and the ease – or obstructions – to movement around the city centre. But there are some interesting developments also. Members have been walking around and constantly observing the changing scene, and also, for instance, participating in the consultations about John Dobson Street and traffic movements around the city. We have been testing the Guides to Walks around the city centre available from the Tourist Information Centre – which has now closed to our regret. If Newcastle is to be promoted as a tourist destination – as well as a place for citizens to enjoy – then we need useful information about places to visit, and good signposting of the ways to get to them. But it’s not all gloom and doom. There are some welcome developments:

the Chinese Garden in Stowell Street in China Town is an oasis of calm in a busy area (see picture below);

a small garden above John Dobson Street supported by residents of Bewick Court is a good example of citizens’ action;

there are still colourful spring floral displays to be seen in Old Eldon Square and around the Civic Centre war memorials;

in Northumberland Street, Marks and Spencer lead the way in greening the environment by having green walls.

And had you noticed that there is now a Post Office at the top of Northumberland Street, open every day, all day, including Sundays offering a full range of services?

So there are still some things to enjoy, as well as to criticise, so we’ll keep readers posted with our observations.

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vElders Council at work

Please vote for the Elders Council in the Digital Leaders Top 100 Awards

Congratulations to the Elders Council and Northumbria Students Union, who've been shortlisted for their very successful IT Classes Project. We've been shortlisted for the Best Digital Inclusion Product or Service Award in the Digital Leaders Top 100.

The IT Classes Project is a joint initiative run by Northumbria Students Union volunteers and the Elders Council, where student volunteers assist older people to gain confidence and improve their skills in using devices such as computers, tablets and mobile phones. The project makes technology more accessible to the older generation by supporting them to overcome their obstacles. During 2014, over 150 older people benefited from this project, which got very positive participant feedback.

We know that many of our readers don’t have access to the internet. If you are one of them, please ask your friends and family to cast their vote for the Elders Council by going to www.digitalleaders100.co.uk/vote . We are shortlisted in category 9; however, your friend or family member can choose 'none' for the other 8 categories if they don't want to vote for anyone else.

Please note that voting will close at the end of May!

Jesmond Community Festival

For anyone living in and around Jesmond, one of the highlights of the Spring is the annual Jesmond Community Festival. This year's Festival Parade will be on Saturday 9 May, and the whole of the festival programme carries through until Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May, with a fantastic selection of free or low-cost concerts, drama, poetry readings, crafts and other activities suitable for all ages. More information on the full programme can be found on www.jesmondfestival.org.uk or you can pick up a programme from Jesmond Library and numerous other locations.

The Elders Council is involved in organising two of the events:

Put a Song in Your Heart, Thursday, 14 May, 2-4pm (Doors open at 1:30pm) An afternoon of fun and frivolity for the over-50s, performances by the school’s junior department, tea and cakes, and a quiz with prizes. All at the Newcastle High School for Girls Junior Department, Chapman House, Sandyford Road.

Fun and Fitness for Over-50s, Thursday, 21 May, 2-4pm An afternoon of healthy activities and the opportunity to hear about walking for health, based at Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre (near pets corner), Jesmond Dene.

A further event of interest is a performance of Jack and Jill and the Red Postbox on Tuesday 19 May, 7-9pm, followed by a discussion about Dementia Friends at the Royal Grammar School Performing Arts Centre, Eskdale Terrace.

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vElders Council at work

Staying Connected You may remember that Staying connected is the scheme where the Elders Council award small grants to other groups to try to give them a “bit of a start” with something, hopefully that will be able to be continued that will help older people stay connected in some way. The grants are very small and the fund isn’t unlimited; in fact, we’re getting close to the end of the finance. However, we have been able to have two rounds of awards and so far have enabled 47 groups to try something. As part of the award, the group organisers agree to come to a sharing event, where everyone gets an opportunity to say what they did, whether they’d do it differently, what went well, etc. In March we held a sharing event for the 27 groups awarded a grant in the second round. We were getting a bit desperate about attendance but as ever Anne Richardson gave it her special treatment (she emailed and texted and phoned). She really shouldn’t have to do that as people had agreed to come and they did know the date; still, Anne really got people there. We think that all would agree that they got a huge amount from attending the event, even if pushed into it. We had commissioned Matt Coombes to evaluate this programme and he also planned and organised the event. From the start there was a lot of energy. Matt gave each awarding group just one minute to say what it was about; he timed it and people had to stop even in mid-sentence, which meant as time went on people began to be better at explaining briefly. We also had to become involved in a little gentle exercise to keep us all alert and involved. We had to be mirror images copying our partner’s movements; it’s harder than you think! We saw one project in a bit more detail as it was a bit different. The Baltic had decided to try and skype an exhibition to those unable to get to the Baltic and we

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vElders Council at work

Staying Connected had a demonstration of this, which showed the possibilities as well as things that needed to be resolved.

We also had an opportunity to think through three aspects of the projects: what went well; how it might be improved; how it could be sustained. Everyone had an opportunity to voice their opinions; as you might expect, people had plenty to say but it was all collected in some form, either on “leaves” that joined a “tree” or just written on the table cloth (they are for that purpose) or on post-it notes.

Everyone also had opportunities to exchange details with others or ask questions about something which they felt could be useful to them. So for example a group looking for a space to work was able to be in touch with Your Homes Newcastle, who are happy for groups to use lounges (if available) in their sheltered housing free of charge.

The session was really buzzing and we believe all had a useful and informative time. Matt is evaluating what we’ve done so far and this will be available to you in the fullness of time. Anne not only ensured a good turn-out but organised the

refreshments including a sandwich lunch at the end of the working session. She also managed to take a lot of photographs, evidence of which you see here.

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vElders Council at work

Years Ahead Annual Conference

Some members of the Elders Council attended the annual conference of Years Ahead, the regional forum on ageing, which was held on 19 March at the County Thistle Hotel in Newcastle. The theme was Life after the Care Act with presentations from three experts on care, health and social welfare.

The first guest speaker was Claire Keatinge, the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland. A post of Commissioner came into being in 2011 and Claire’s responsibilities include safeguarding, complaints about care, residential homes, and concerns about hospitals.

The second speaker was Guy Pilkington, the Chair of the Newcastle and Gateshead Alliance. He described his work as a GP in Cruddas Park and his role as Chair of the Clinical Commissioning Group. He outlined the health priorities of the group and how the Care Act might have an effect on future plans.

During the afternoon Murray Rose, Director of Commissioning at Darlington Borough Council described his own experience of care in regard to his mother. He also gave his frank ideas on the Care Act and the problems that might occur.

The day ended with table discussions, members asking questions on the topics mentioned by the expert speakers. The meeting gave everyone food for thought and all seemed to agree that a Commissioner for England similar to that in Northern Ireland would be of great benefit to all.

You can read a fuller report on the conference by going to http://www.elderscouncil.org.uk/Members-Stories .

Top Tips!

If you buy fresh loose mushrooms at your local supermarket,

do not use the paper bags they provide to weigh them in: the paper

bag can weigh more than the contents. Use a plastic bag to weigh

the mushrooms in, but take a paper bag to put them in once you

have paid for them: they will remain fresher longer.

If you have difficulty opening your medicine bottle because it comes with a child-proof top, ask your pharmacy for a bottle with an ordinary screw-top.

Amendment to a tip from Eileen De-Voy included in last edition

of the Newsletter

For greasy/dirty hair: If your hair you cannot wash, then you use a covered

brush. (Put a nylon over a clean hairbrush.)

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Welcome to Faye Collins

New Development Manager (Maternity Cover) at Quality of Life Partnership

We are very happy to welcome Faye Collins to our team at the Quality of Life Partnership in her new role as Development Manager – Information and Advice. Faye joined us on 7 April and will be covering Lauren's maternity leave from 1 May. Lauren and Faye are both contactable until then during the handover period; however, from 1 May please contact Faye for all Info NOW enquiries. Faye can be contacted at faye.collins@qualityoflife.org.uk or on 0191 208 2703.

The Cinema Card

The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed by the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) for UK cinemas. If you have a disability, the scheme ensures that your visit to the cinema is trouble-free and also ensures a complimentary ticket for someone to go with you. People in receipt of the following are eligible:

Disability Living Allowance (DLA);

Attendance Allowance (AA);

Blind Persons Registration;

Personal Independence Payment (PIP); or

Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

You can apply online, part online/part by post; or entirely by post. For further details, you can ring 0239 224 8545, text phone 18001 023 9224 8545,

write to CEA Card, PO Box 212, Waterlooville, PO7 6ZN, or go to https://www.ceacard.co.uk/index.aspx .

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Health Information

Dementia-Friendly Cinema

Dementia-Friendly Cinema is a project being developed by the Tyneside Cinema. The idea for the project came from the Elders Council. We have been thinking about what would make it possible for people with dementia and their carers to enjoy the cultural life of the city. Tyneside Cinema welcomed the opportunity to work with us and have quickly put in place a project group with a wide range of expertise in working with people with dementia. Everyone is committed to doing this well, and to achieve our aim we need to understand what would work best for people with dementia and their carers.

We have developed a survey which will enable us to gather key information. If you have dementia or support someone with dementia, please take a few minutes to complete our survey. It is available on line at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/dementiafriendlycinema or you can request a paper copy by calling 0191 208 2701 or emailing anne.richardson@qualityoflife.org.uk . For further information visit https://www.tynesidecinema.co.uk/whats-on/dementia-friendly-cinema .

Mental Health

Here’s an event for your diary. On Tuesday 23 June from 10 am to 3 pm, the Voluntary Sector Advisory Group (VOLSAG) will be hosting a “marketplace and networking” event in the Great Hall of the Discovery Museum.

This drop-in event will showcase the work of Newcastle and Gateshead voluntary

sector organisations who work with adults with mental health problems. It will be

open to everybody and has three overriding aims:

To promote and raise awareness of the local VCS's offer for adults with mental

health problems.

To facilitate greater collaboration, signposting and cross-referral between

providers, making the most of our collective resources.

To update each other about current provision and service developments.

As well as information stands, there will be brief table-top presentations using a

speed-dating format. There will also be a free pop-up cafe and creative participatory

activities running throughout the day.

For further information, please ring Steve Nash on 0782 455 5221.

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Health Information

Reading Well Books on Prescription: Dementia

Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia recommends books you might find helpful if you have dementia, are caring for someone with dementia or would like to find out more about the condition. The collection is endorsed by a wide range of health professionals including Alzheimer’s Society, Carers UK and Dementia UK and provides the following support:

Information and advice about dementia and normal ageing

Support following diagnosis

Practical help for carers

Personal accounts of people with dementia and their relatives and carers

Suggested therapeutic activities

You can borrow the books free of charge from City, East End, Gosforth, Kenton, Outer West and West End Libraries. All you need to have is a Newcastle Library card, which you can get from any Newcastle Library. The books can be borrowed for four weeks and can be renewed if no one else wants to borrow them. The books are aimed at people who are able to read and manage book-based content. The collection includes information-type books, but also picture books, biographies and sets of books called Pictures to share, which combine pictures and text for adults in a meaningful way to help stimulate conversation between families, professionals and those with dementia. If you want further details, please ring Anne Archer at Newcastle City Library on 0191 277 4100 or email her at information@newcastle.gov.uk or visit their website: http://reading-well.org.uk .

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Starting to think about paying for care …

You may have come across discussion in the news about the recent Care Act for England and what this law means for older people. The newsletter itself has had a couple of articles about what the Elders Council thinks about these changes and in this edition, a guide (written by Silverlinks with Care & Repair) is included about the government’s proposals, under the Care Act, for older people paying for care. At present, these are proposals to put a cap of £72,000 on the total amount someone has to pay for their care. So does this mean lots more people will get help to pay for residential or home-care costs? Well, not really, as there are many important things to remember before assuming you might get financial help from the state.

1. First of all, you have to get into the care system itself. In other words, only when you are deemed ‘eligible’ for care does your spending on care count towards this cap. Help is rationed so that only those with high care needs get help.

2. Even if you are eligible for help towards care, this is only for the care element of the help you need. For example, if you live in a residential home costing £600 per week, you will still be expected to pay daily living costs of £230 for such elements as food and accommodation.

3. It is worth remembering that the council will pay for care in a residential home only at their set standard rate – regardless of what the true cost of care might be at that particular home.

4. The proposals are supposed to mean that people don’t have to sell their home to meet the costs of care. However, all councils are expected to offer deferred payment schemes, which just means that the costs will be taken out of an individual’s estate after their death.

The BBC has produced an online guide to the care system (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30990913) which includes a care calculator that can work out how much you might need to pay before you reach the cap on care costs. They have also produced some real-life stories from older people currently paying for care. We wanted to produce some real-life examples ourselves using this care calculator, but we were left with so many questions about the information given that, until we know what will actually happen in April 2016, no-one can be sure if the changes will really affect many people who need care.

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Starting to think about paying for care … Some Elders Council members discussed the government proposals at a recent Health and Social Care sub-group and we came to the conclusion that the proposals are very complicated indeed and may not benefit very many people. There are some benefits however: everyone now is entitled to information and advice; all of us are potentially eligible for state help beyond the cap; and we can all request an assessment of our needs. More than ever we should be thinking ahead and planning for the future. This means getting our finances and other money matters sorted out as much as possible as the harsh reality is that most of us will have to fund our own support should we need it. So what can you do now?

Look at Information NOW for the latest information about social care costs.

Get advice from organisations such as Age UK and Independent Age.

Get advice from your bank or building society if they offer free financial advice.

If you think you may need residential care or home care in the future – or you already pay for this yourself –, do find out as much you can about what support is available. Seek a formal ‘assessment of need’ from your local council to see if you are eligible for help, as anyone can do this regardless of their means. If you are eligible, you can at least see if you qualify for the care cost cap and get something called a ‘Care Account’ set up – even if you have to fund care yourself. In the long run, it may be worth it.

Your Care: Needs Assessments

New Article on Information NOW (Care Act 2015)

If you need some help to live independently at home, a Needs Assessment would identify your needs and help get you extra care and support such as meals at home, short breaks and home adaptations.

Community Health & Social Care Direct can arrange an assessment to:

identify your care and support needs; work out if you are eligible for care and support from Newcastle City Council; then calculate the amount of money you are entitled to which you can use to

purchase support.

Visit Information NOW to read the full article on Needs Assessments.

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Beware of cowboy builders

An Elders Council couple have written to us describing their appalling experience with a building contractor. Here is what they had to say:

“We had our flat refurbished at a cost in excess of £48,000, payment being by equal instalments over the six-week contract. The adverts stated ‘all work is carried out by highly skilled workforce’. This was untrue, as subcontractors used were of limited skill. The work was inferior, so we withheld the final payment. When our dissatisfaction was raised, the builder told us he was ‘proud’ of what his workforce had achieved. Within days, they forced entry into our flat without any reason as to why, except to issue threats if we did not pay up.

“An independent surveyor said, “The workmanship is appalling; it is the worst I have seen in all of the 44 years I have worked in the industry and everything must be replaced.” The gas boiler was not as specified, was not new, was of insufficient capacity and it often broke down. GasSafe condemned it on sight. There are insufficient radiators and one

of them had fallen off the wall, spreading water all over the

lounge. Water had also leaked from the showers/toilets. The emergency plumbers said “it was not qualified

plumbers who carried out any this work”. We also

received electric shocks from light switches: the kitchen hob had

not earthed.

“We tried to take the company to court, but they had gone into voluntary liquidation so we were unable to retrieve any of the money we paid. We had trusted this firm to do a good job. We left the flat for the first two weeks to be “out of the way”, but our trust was abused. The flat was used to store materials that were not meant for use in the job on our flat. We did not know at the time that the firm had a reputation in the industry for fleecing people.”

To avoid you having a similar experience, the article on pg. 19 gives details of where to get information about trustworthy tradespeople.

Your Pension

As you have read in the papers or heard on the news, there have recently been some big changes to the rules about pensions. To make sense of them, you can go to the Pension Wise website www.pensionwise.gov.uk . You can even book a telephone appointment to get advice on your own situation by ringing 0300 330 1001 or you can get a face-to-face appointment by ringing the North Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau on 0191 270 4485.

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How do you find a reliable tradesperson?

How often do you need repairs carried out in your home or some task done that needs a skilled tradesperson? It is not always easy to find someone to do the painting or repair a washing-machine and many of us rely on word of mouth to find someone. There are many organisations out there that claim to have reliable and honest tradespeople on their books, but how do you know which one is best and what is a sensible price? We discussed this recently at the Elders Council Health and Social Care Working Group and identified three possible organisations that claim to check the tradespeople on their books. Most of this information is on the Information NOW website but we thought it might be useful to pass the names and contact details of these organisations on to you in the newsletter. We are not recommending or vouching for any of these people but perhaps it is a start if you don’t know where to turn. Let us know what you think!

Mears Home Improvement North East is part of a national company that provides a numbers of services that are funded or partially subsidised by local councils, including Newcastle. Some of you will have come across then at the Information NOW events, where they sometimes have a stall. They offer a Handyperson Service for small repairs around the home with a fixed hourly rate (£15 – if on a means-tested benefit – or £18 per hour plus VAT, which are sums agreed with the council). They also have a trades register with a list of reputable tradespeople on it who have been police-checked and vetted to ensure that the work is of a high standard. You just phone them up and they will provide a list of people in the area of work you need. Mears will follow up on the work carried out to find out if you are satisfied. Contact details: you can telephone Mears on 0191 499 9490.

TrustMark Tradesmen is an online well-established not-for-profit organisation, endorsed by Government as a quality scheme that signposts people to reputable local tradespeople. All firms with a Trustmark logo must have met government-approved standards about price, honesty and workmanship. Contact details: you have to go on the Trustmark website (www.trustmark.org.uk) and enter your postcode and select the trade you want. You are then given a list of the firms nearest to you that carry the Trustmark logo. You can click on the names to get more information about the particular firm. You can also telephone Trustmark on 0333 555 1234.

Checked and Vetted is a local organisation that claims to check and vet all the tradespeople in their organisation. Members of Checked and Vetted are fully insured and ‘accredited’. You are expected to give a ‘job review’ after the work is carried out. Most trades are covered. Contact details: you can go on their website (www.checkedandvetted.com) and enter the trade you want and your postcode. You will then be provided with a list of nearby tradespeople with information about them and reviews of work they have done. Or you can phone Checked and Vetted on 0191 651 1165.

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Information

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Clamping down on cold callers in the City

A Newcastle city councillor has written to us to say that hundreds of residents could be fleeced by unwanted cold callers this summer, unless they take preventive measures now.

The Council is rolling out a number of ‘No Cold Calling Zones’, set to prevent unsolicited visits to residents’ homes across several neighbourhoods across the city. A No Cold Calling Zone is an area in which residents have stressed that they don’t want to receive uninvited visits to their households (cold calls). The zones – now 42 – have been established by the Council’s Trading Standards Service working closely with Northumbria Police and Safe Newcastle, the city’s legal community safety partnership. If you want to set one up in your neighbourhood, ring 0191 211 6121 and ask to speak to the Trading Standards Service.

Figures released by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) last year show that home improvements continue to top the list of complaints about doorstep rogue traders across the city. According to the OFT, the top five complaints include roofing – 1,725 complaints (30%); paving and tarmac – 1,088 (19%); insulation work – 663 (12%); general building – 573 (10%); and burglar alarms – 348 (6%). Both the City

Council and the OFT are urging consumers, especially older people and vulnerable people living on their own, to be on their guard against dodgy traders and sales reps.

In 2012, Consumer Direct, a major watchdog, received more than 13,000 complaints about uninvited traders and almost half of these complaints (5,718) related to home maintenance work.

With complaints peaking over the summer months, rogue doorstep traders will often offer services at attractive rates and use manipulative sales techniques to con residents into making hasty decisions. In order to avoid being fleeced, residents need to be vigilant. If one of

these people knocks on your door, don’t agree to on the spot repairs, or sign anything on the spot. Be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe. Don’t make snap decisions and take the time to speak with someone you can trust.

Following a consultation with residents, with their consent, a zone will be established in their neighbourhood. Householders will receive window stickers and information packs and metal signs will be placed on lamp-posts to deter these unscrupulous organisations and individuals.

If in doubt, contact Citizen Advice Consumer Services on 0845 404 0506.

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Information

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Free law: just ask your librarian

Benefits changes, pension law, housing, immigration status, parking fines, neighbour disputes – there is plenty of law written about it all, but what does it say and where can you find it? Ever thought of going to your local library?

Through Newcastle City Libraries you have free access to an online summary of UK legislation published by CANS – Citizens Advice Notes Service Trust. You can access this information in two ways:

1. On the library computers by visiting Newcastle City Library, or

2. At home by inputting your library card number into the login area of the library’s website. This is where you log in: http://library.newcastle.gov.uk/web/arena/reference .

Are you having difficulty paying your water bills?

Northumbrian Water tells us that they have two schemes designed to help those who have difficulty paying their bills. The first scheme is called the Reduced Tariff Scheme, which is designed to help customers who are having difficulty paying their current charges; and the second one is the Arrears Support Scheme to help customers who have built up significant arrears that they can’t repay.

If you want more information about either of these schemes, please ring Nicky Weavers on 0150 267 4042. She’ll also be able to send you an explanatory leaflet.

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How to buy a used mobility scooter

You can now buy a perfectly good used mobility scooter for £150 to £250 online (e.g., on Gumtree). Mike Salisbury has recently written the Kindle ‘Guide to Buying and Using a Used Mobility Scooter’ to help you take advantage of this market.

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Things to do … c

The National Trust Silver Active Programme …

… invites Newcastle over-50s to join them on the following visits:

Thursday 21st May

9.00am to 5.00pm

Bowes Museum Transport provided from Newcastle

and back; the cost is £13.50.

Friday 17th July

3.00 to 9.00pm

Gibside To cook a three-course meal over an

open fire. Transport is provided from

Newcastle and back; the cost is £6

Thursday 27th August

7.15 to 10.30pm

Gibside For a bat-detecting evening. Transport

provided from Newcastle and back; the

cost is £3.

The National Trust is also organising walks exclusively for Newcastle over-50s. All

the walks take place on a Thursday, transport to the start of the walk is provided from

Newcastle. Each walk costs £3.

Thursday 14th May Cambo 3½ miles

Thursday 11th June Haltwhistle 4 miles

Thursday 9th July Wannie Line 7 miles

Thursday 13th August Linhope Spout 5 miles

You need to book for all activities listed, so please ring Jo Linton on

0777 616 2118 or email her at Joanne.linton@nationaltrust.org.uk .

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Try something old, learn something new …

Culture and Cake Programme

Take a look behind the scenes of Discovery Museum’s costume store for a programme of talks about fashions of the past. Please find below a schedule of dates and themes for each session.

£30 advance block booking for all six sessions – and get session number 6 free. Just pay at the venue for the first session or book in advance for the session(s) that interest you and pay on the day (£6 per session).

All sessions are 11am-12 noon on Wednesdays and are followed by a cup of tea or coffee and cake in the Discovery Museum Café on the following dates:

13 May Early dresses

20 May Fans and samplers

27 May Later dresses

3 June First World War clothing

10 June Shoes

17June Hats For further information: ring Joanne on 0191 277 2297 or email joanne.charlton@twmuseums.org.uk ; or ring Zoe on 0191 277 2296 or email zoe.brown@twmuseums.org.uk .

Creative Writing Would you like to join a small writing group which meets each Monday from 11 until 1 in the centre of Newcastle? They would welcome some new members to the group who might like to try their hands at writing either poetry or prose. Equally, if someone is half-way through writing their novel or anthology of poems, they too would be welcome. All the group’s members are of retirement age but there is no particular upper or lower age limit. A tutor comes fortnightly to bring a little inspiration and valued comments on members’ work, if they wish to share it with the group. Members give £3 each week into a kitty, which covers expenses. If you would like to find out more, please ring Mary or Ali on 0191 286 7877 or 0191 252 2971 or email mlearoyd@msn.com or scotperu@hotmail.co.uk .

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.

St. Oswald’s Hospice …

…needs volunteers; could you spare some time?

St Oswald’s are recruiting volunteers for their 25 charity shops across the region. There are lots of roles available including: sorting stock, serving on the till, and window dressing.

Volunteering is a great way to strengthen skills, socialise and make a difference. It has also been linked to improved health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

A volunteer said: “What I enjoy most about volunteering at St Oswald’s is the atmosphere and getting to work with everyone in the team. They are amazing to work with, an incredible team; and knowing at the end of the day that I’ve made a real difference is the best part.”

If you, or someone you know, could spare a few hours to volunteer in a St Oswald’s shop, please call into your local shop, ring 0191 246 9071 or email retailhelpdesk@stoswaldsuk.org .

Sequence Dance Leader

Do you love dancing? Would you like to lead a weekly sequence dance session for older people in Newcastle?

Age UK Newcastle are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced volunteer to lead their Sequence Dance class, which is held every Tuesday from 12.30pm-2.30pm at Blackfriars Centre, New Bridge Street, Newcastle. This is not a taught class, but you would be responsible for organising the programme, putting together a playlist of music, collecting the money and announcing the dances. This is a friendly, well-established group of about 20 older people who enjoy their weekly get-together and are keen to find a new volunteer to keep their group going.

If you think you fit the bill, please contact Linda Williams, Activity Coordinator on (0191) 235 9938 or email linda.williams@ageuknewcastle.org.uk .

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Hand in Hand – ‘Outing’ Isolation! Do you enjoy going out and interacting with others? Then consider becoming a volunteer Outings Companion with Hand in Hand. They need volunteers with or without transport who would be willing to go out once a month (flexible to fit in with your life style: if you’re not available one month, they’ll try again the next month). Volunteer expenses and mileage are reimbursed.

Thanks to the Elders Council’s Staying Connected Project, Hand in Hand were able to start a new venture ‘Outing’ Isolation! With further funding secured, they ran a successful pilot and so the outings began. They give socially isolated older people and those at risk of becoming isolated the opportunity to go on an outing once a month in a small group – usually two Service Users with two Outings Companions. The outings included a visit to a garden centre, afternoon tea, a visit to a museum, a trip to the theatre, a meal out and just a run to the coast ending with an ice cream. You can help to make a difference to the lives of others. Some quotes from outings:

"It has been years since I went to the Theatre, going to see Top Hat was something very special, a fantastic show, I thought I'd never go to the Theatre again."

"I apologised to the Outings Companion for talking so much, but when you've only got the wall to talk to it's great to be able to talk to someone."

"I was able to go shopping and choose clothes and bedding which I wouldn't have been able to do without Hand in Hand."

For further information ring Dan on 0191 280 4265 or email him at dan@handinhandproject.org.uk or visit www.handinhandproject.org.uk .

West End Befrienders Do you have a bit of time to spare? Are you interested in helping an older person regain their confidence by offering support and friendship? West End Befrienders is looking for more volunteers who can visit older people living in their own homes or in care homes in the west end of Newcastle. If you like talking and spending time with older people, this might be for you. Training is given and all volunteers are DBS checked. If you are interested, please email: info@westendbefrienders.org.uk or telephone 0191 272 4414.

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Report

Everyone Deserves Music: Community Music Symposium

This was a very interesting one-day event held at The Sage, Gateshead, on 16 March, attended by various Elders Council members. "Music is a space in which we can all relate to each other” – an opening statement made by Katherine Zeserson, the outgoing Director of Learning and Participation at the Sage. This proved to be a true theme for the community music day. We learnt that an international research centre for community music is set up at St John’s University in York. The Sage embraces community music in a very big and positive way. It is one of the country’s pre-eminent community music centres The afternoon sessions informed us of the very positive effect of music and music-making for raising and maintaining the quality of life for older people. First, Dr Andrea Creech, of

UCL, Institute of Education gave a presentation on the very positive effect that music participation can make for older people and cited the results of the "Music for Life Project”. This found in three detailed case studies that senior citizens who participated in music had higher levels of purpose, autonomy and control as well as social affirmation. In the second session of the afternoon, the Silver Researchers described a

research programme, carried out over four years, into the Silver Programme at the Sage. The presentation covered the 10 years of the Silver Programme – Music Making and Learning for People Over 50. By the end of this presentation

none could doubt the benefits and enjoyment given by the programme Additionally there were enjoyable performances by older people throughout the day, including ukuleles, choirs and a rock group.

You can read a fuller report on the conference by going to http://www.elderscouncil.org.uk/Members-Stories .

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Correspondence

The Elders Council received a request from Harry Owen, a student and social entrepreneur at Newcastle University for members to complete a questionnaire to help him with a study. He entered a competition run by Newcastle University and managed to reach the final. His task was to come up with a social enterprise, which aims to help older people become confidently connected with their mobile connected devices, such as mobile, broadband, landline, tablets, or Skype. His main goal was to try to reduce technology anxiety, loneliness and improve independent living by developing a website that will be easy to understand and navigate, educational, trustworthy, empathetic and respectful. This is a letter received from Harry to let members know the outcome.

Dear Elders Council,

Thanks again for distributing the questionnaires; it was extremely helpful and the information I managed to gather really helped build up my understanding!

I didn't manage to win the apprentice competition run by Newcastle University. However, I did come second and obtained a prize for being the 'Overall Best Leader'!

Many thanks and best wishes,

Harry

Dear Editors,

I write concerning your piece in the March-April Newsletter about the British Wireless

for the Blind Fund (BWBF).

Your readers will be interested to know that the Newcastle Society for Blind People is

also an agent for BWBF and has been for many years. If any visually impaired

person wants to find out about how to get a radio set on free loan, they just have to

ring the society on 0191 232 7292.

Yours truly

John Evans

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Correspondence

Dear Elders Council,

Thanks for organising the Wednesday IT Classes Project afternoons at Northumbria University. Everyone that I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed it and thought that the students were great: they were very eager to help in a friendly informative way. Please pass our thanks to the university and their students.

Should the sessions continue in the future, please let me know.

Best wishes,

Allan Robinson

Editors’ note: We will pass Allan’s thanks on to Anne Richardson, who set the sessions up at our end and looked after our members so well, and to the Northumbria University students. Sessions will resume in the autumn. And please look at pg. 9 to vote for this project in the Digital Leaders Top 100 Awards.

Give as you live

The Elders Council has got guaranteed funding for only the first nine months of this financial year. After that, the future is uncertain. So every penny that we can get into our funds helps us to continue our work for older people in Newcastle – this newsletter, our Staying connected project, the Transport Group’s Outings with your bus-pass leaflet and our other publications, our working groups, the radio show, and all the other things that we do for older people of the city.

We are very grateful to everybody who donates or bequeaths money to the Elders Council and to those who help us save money by, for example, delivering newsletters by hand or taking their copy by email.

Now we have a new way that you can help us: just log on to www.giveasyoulive.com and select as your favourite charity “The Elders Council of Newcastle Limited”. Then every time you shop online, at no cost to yourself, you can nominate us to receive a donation from your seller (if they’re one of the nearly 4000 participating stores). Just remember to install the “shopping bar” and away you go! And you can operate the scheme from your PC, your tablet or your smart phone.

We know that many of our readers do not have access to the internet. But you can still help: please give the details of this scheme to your friends and relatives who do shop online and you will have done your bit to add to our funds.

T H A N K Y O U !

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Newsletter Costs As you know, the cost of postage went up on 1 April. This means that the newsletter now costs us over £60 more per issue to post out than it did before (that’s £360 more per year). Could you please help out?

1. If you agree to take the newsletter electronically (by email), not only do you get

your copy in colour and earlier than if you got it by post; it also means that we’re

saving on postage.

2. If you agree to deliver some newsletters in your neighbourhood by hand, we

save on the postage and you get to have a bit of exercise and perhaps meet

and chat with neighbours (just ring the doorbell and hand over their copy of the

newsletter personally).

We’d be very grateful if you could choose either of these options. Please ring Anne Richardson (0191 208 2701) or email her (anne.richardson@qualityoflife.org.uk) and let her know.

3. The third way you could help is by giving a donation to the Elders Council to

cover postage and production costs. (See the donation form below and on

pg. 30).

Donations and Gift Aid

Could you please help by making a Gift Aid donation to help cover the costs of the production of the Newsletter?

PLEASE HELP THE ELDERS COUNCIL TO CONTINUE ITS WORK

……………………………………………………………………………………………….. I wish to donate £7.50 [ ] £15 [ ] £30 [ ] Other [£ ] to the Elders Council of Newcastle and enclose a cheque for that amount. Please send to Elders Council office (address details on page 32). Name: Address: Postcode:

Please tick if you require a receipt (√).....

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Poetry

Walking the Streets

I walk the streets In drizzly cold rain and sweltering heat, Clayton Street and Dinendra Street, Newcastle upon Tyne and Kolkata city. My feet pound the pavements – Broken or maintained. Shops, restaurants, cafes, Street vendors and beggars Compete to catch my eye. Sometimes I have to stop – It’s the biological clock Telling me, take a breather. Then walking takes over. Doctors and friends tell me repeatedly, take it easy. They think I am crazy trying to buy back Youth and redefine my place on earth. All I know when I go walking I hear clearly, in spite of the urban noise, The rhythm of my heart drumming The rhythm of the foetus Across time, people and places; Old and new coalescing.

Asit Maitra

………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Donations and Gift Aid

If you would like us to claim Gift Aid relief (so that we can claim back money from the Treasury), please complete the relevant boxes below:

Charity: The Elders Council of Newcastle Ltd.

I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax at least equal to the Amount of tax that the charity will reclaim on my gifts.

I confirm that this donation and all previous and future gifts of money to the Elders Council should be treated as Gift Aid donations.

Please notify us if you wish to cancel this declaration.

Thank you.

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Poetry

It’s Blooming May!

As April showers just fade away

No rain left some people say

As tulips, daffs stand so very proud

Announcing summer’s here and so loud

Bees are busy pollination the need

Nature’s magic new life on seed

Gracing garden flowers once more

Glorious colours at our door

Morning sunrise in horizon above

Though sad song of coloured dove

Magpie, crow raise the noisy mood

Little robin knows life is good

Trees restore their leaves of green

Soon to show a change of scene

While roses cast a fragrant scent

To winter’s passing a lasting lament!

May is ready to show the way

At what part nature has to play

Land warms – seeds grow into plants

Constant to that of working ants

Summer sun rises to meet life’s needs

As precious earth celebrates in plants – weeds

Plants progress to full maturity

Just to please both you and me

Seven billion people on earth today

We must not exhaust the part we play

We have enough food for our need

It’s time of plenty – cut out waste and greed!

John Reid

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Newsletter Information

Newsletter Articles

If you would like to submit an article to be considered for the July/August 2015 edition of the Newsletter, will you please ensure that you forward it before Friday 19 June.

Newsletter in other formats

We can make our Newsletter available in alternative formats (e.g. in larger print or audio tape). To request information please contact the office.

Electronic Version of the Newsletter It costs about £1.20 per member to send out this newsletter, so would you be willing to have the newsletter sent to you electronically? If you would, it would save a lot of money every year. So please sign up for this service now by emailing anne.richardson@qualityoflife.org.uk, please put “E-mail newsletter” in the subject box. Advantages to signing up for this service include receiving the Newsletter at least 14 days sooner than you would normally receive it via the post; getting earlier notice of events happening throughout the city; and seeing the various images in colour.

What are you waiting for?

Contact Details

Elders Council of Newcastle Room 2.36, 2nd Floor, Biomedical Research Building Campus for Ageing and Vitality Nuns Moor Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL Tel. 0191 208 2701 Fax. 0191 208 2705 Email: info@qualityoflife.org.uk Website: www.elderscouncil.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1122424